These Two Things Must Change for Construction to Become Sustainable – Eija Multanen, Sustainable Construction Expert

We interviewed Eija Multanen, an expert in the infrastructure construction sector, regarding the goals and actions towards carbon neutrality in the industry. Eija serves as the Sustainability and Risk Manager at AFRY, a company focused on promoting multidisciplinary responsibility and sustainable development. She is also leading the sustainability team for the internationally significant construction project, Kalasatama-Pasila, from a responsibility perspective.

Eija, what do the trends in advancing carbon neutrality in the infrastructure construction sector look like for the next five years?

That’s not an easy question to start with, but maybe if we reflect on what has been achieved in the Kalasatama-Pasila project over the last five years, the use of low-carbon concrete has progressed significantly and will certainly remain important in the future. Of course, we’ve only used it for the slab foundation so far, which is just a single structure, but perhaps in the future, it will be applied more broadly as manufacturers have gained a lot of experience. And then, in the bigger picture, the transition from a linear to a circular economy, even though it’s an old trend and there are many challenges in implementing it, but I believe that developing solutions for this will achieve a lot.

Let’s pretend you were given omnipotent powers. What three changes would you make in the infrastructure construction sector to achieve our carbon neutrality goals?

First, we should probably simplify the permitting processes, which make the transition heavy and difficult for operators. Of course, it’s not easy, but if we’re pretending to have omnipotent powers, that’s something that should be fixed. Then, I’d probably switch all machinery to electric. Again, easier said than done, as this involves many factors from different fields, but an electric machinery fleet would indeed be a big leap towards carbon neutrality. It would likely also have positive effects on other sectors, as more battery factories could be established in Finland if we had a leading market here. Maybe instead of three, I’d just make these two changes.

Let’s take these two then. If we look at these, electrified machinery and simplified permitting processes, what do you see as the challenges that are slowing down the change we need?

The cost of investments is significant, and sharing that risk alone is not possible for any contractor or operator. In addition, there is a lot of outdated information in the field, even among top performers, so perhaps, cliché as it may sound, continuing and intensifying cooperation is what we need. It would require almost a systemic change, where financial risk could be shared, requirements tightened faster than currently, and knowledge continuously and rapidly shared.

Thank you, Eija, for your responses. Would you like to send any final messages to the professionals in our field?

To freely paraphrase Albert Einstein, ‘You cannot keep doing the same things in the same way and expect a different outcome than before.’ Good new practices and experiments are already being implemented, but surely everyone can think even more about whether they can take that bold step that helps everyone move forward?

Real time data used for site management

Image credits: https://viherymparisto.vyl.fi/

Managing infrastructure construction projects goes far beyond simply overseeing the visible elements. It also involves managing vast amounts of data generated throughout the project’s lifecycle. Infrakit is changing how project managers like Mika Huovinen, who oversees various sites for  Helsinki City’s construction services, STARA, approach this challenge. Combining his background in horticulture and IT, Huovinen uses Infrakit to improve efficiency and precision in managing construction projects.

Managing infrastructure construction projects goes far beyond simply overseeing the visible elements. It also involves managing vast amounts of data generated throughout the project’s lifecycle. Infrakit is changing how project managers like Mika Huovinen, who oversees various sites for Helsinki City’s construction services, approach this challenge. Combining his background in horticulture and IT, Huovinen uses Infrakit to improve efficiency and precision in managing construction projects.

Image credits: https://viherymparisto.vyl.fi/

Huovinen describes the impact of using Infrakit in his work, saying it “speeds up the work, makes it more interesting, and gives the opportunity to study in advance what is coming where”. Infrakit offers a real-time digital overview of the construction site, integrating data from various sources like excavation models, GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) devices, and drones. This technology enables project managers to visualize and anticipate potential issues by layering different map data, minimizing the need for traditional survey methods.

Image credits: https://viherymparisto.vyl.fi/

Huovinen highlights Infrakit’s ability to streamline workflows and improve communication. For instance, workers on-site can use mobile apps to access and update project data, ensuring everyone is aligned. He notes, “The measurement staff don’t have to visit the site as often as before; we manage with our own devices up to the precision measurement stage”.

Infrakit also allows for remote problem-solving; Huovinen can demonstrate issues to designers located across the country without needing them on-site. He shares, “I can show the problem area to a designer on the other side of Finland without them having to come to the site”.

Overall, Infrakit represents a significant shift in how infrastructure projects are managed, reducing manual tasks and improving data accuracy. This technological integration not only saves time and resources but also provides a more detailed and reliable view of the construction process, ultimately leading to better project outcomes. Huovinen’s experience with Infrakit demonstrates the potential of digital tools to transform traditional construction management, making it more efficient, transparent, and responsive.

This blog post is credited to the article by Liisa Hyttinen in the local municipal magazine Viherympäristö-lehti. The article (in Finnish, requires subscription) can be found here.

Recently, we caught up with Theo Agelopoulos, VP, AEC Design Strategy at Autodesk, and got some really interesting thoughts on the AEC technology industry

Can you share a bit about your journey in the AEC technology industry and how you got started?

I started my career by studying Civil Engineering. My first deep exposure to technology came in my final year of university. Initially during my final year thesis where I was testing and modeling b-pillars in car roll-over accidents and then my internship at the Naval shipyards working on the ANZAC Ship Project for the development and construction of 10 new ANZAC Class guided missile frigates. I was exposed to 3D modeling and analysis of complex structures using finite element analysis. I realized very quickly that I wanted to focus my career on the technology side of engineering and looked for career paths that would allow me to blend my civil engineering studies with technology. The rest is history…

Considering the current technological advancements, where do you see the future of AEC technology heading in the next 5-10 years?

Although I don’t have a crystal ball, I believe that we will see more adoption and disruption in the next 3 years than we have seen in the last 10 years in AEC. The reason I believe that is we are entering a new era of AI that will significantly change the role of people and technology in AEC. With the challenges of an aging workforce, larger and more complex projects and climate change the industry needs to find alternative ways to automate and optimize the way it works. Machine Learning and Generative AI will fundamentally alter how we make decisions and how we deliver projects. I don’t believe we will replace humans rather AI will augment and optimize the way they work. In order to leverage AI it requires that we implement better technology platforms, and higher quality data.

Collaboration is crucial in AEC projects. How have collaborative tools and platforms evolved, and what role do they play in enhancing project efficiency, especially with diverse stakeholders like designers, engineers/surveyors, project managers and client owners?

You can’t deliver projects in AEC without some level of collaboration and coordination across the capital project lifecycle. Continuity of data through the project lifecycle requires better digital processes to avoid redundancy and to minimize risk. That was the premise behind BIM, Building Information Modeling was created to help manage a digital delivery process with a 3D model at the core. The technologies that have evolved over the last two decades are there to support the BIM process. Historically most of the data has been locked in files which requires a very transactional level of collaboration across different disciplines and stakeholders. The single biggest challenge has always been around interoperability across different vendor applications to support a digital delivery process. In recent years the industry has aligned around various interoperability standards like IFC to help break down some of these silos, at the same time we have seen many of the vendors in the space put in place direct interoperability to better facilitate customers need to use multiple vendor applications together to deliver their projects. The next phase of collaboration is evolving to not happen at the file level but enabling much richer access at the object level. As most vendors develop more open platforms in the cloud it enables a more direct and richer level of data interoperability that we haven’t seen before.

Sustainability is a growing concern. How do you perceive the role of AEC technology in promoting sustainable practices within the industry?

Our ability to deliver more sustainable outcomes requires that as an industry we make better and more informed decisions up front. Digital technologies play a critical role in enabling practitioners to make data driven decisions earlier. We should always have a mindset of delivering more sustainable buildings and infrastructure than we have done in the past, it should be non-negotiable. At the core of achieving this outcome-based approach is BIM. Implementing BIM with a 3D model at the center of the process allows architects and engineers to optimize site potential, minimize non-renewable energy consumption and waste, recommend and use environmentally preferable products, protect and conserve water, improve air quality, enhance operational and maintenance practices, and create healthy and productive environments. Some really exciting recent developments are happening in site development whereby using AI we have the ability for the computer to evaluate thousands of scenarios and optimize against multiple criteria including sustainability. What would take an architect or engineer many weeks or months of analysis can now be delivered in a fraction of time. This doesn’t replace architects and engineers it augments what they do, allowing them to drive towards high quality outcomes and then create additional capacity for them to focus their time on higher value activities.

With the rise of BIM (Building Information Modeling), how do you think it has impacted the design and construction phases of AEC projects, and what do you anticipate for its future?

We are entering a new dawn and the next phase of BIM. As I shared earlier, AI will dramatically disrupt the way we plan, design, build and operate critical assets. You will begin to see BIM redefined as outcome-based BIM driven by advances computing, platform technologies and AI. We have seen significant maturity in the design phase of BIM over the last several decades, especially in building design but over more recent times we have seen significant advances in infrastructure. Currently we are experiencing an acceleration in constructions and emerging is progression in operations and maintenance with the advent of digital-twin technologies. What this all means for the future is that we are driving towards the true vision of BIM, which is a fully connected and optimized digital asset lifecycle from cradle to grave.

As technology advances, there’s often a learning curve for industry professionals. How can the AEC sector ensure a smooth transition for its workforce into more tech-driven practices?

I believe that technology companies in AEC need to evolve and deliver products to market that are more like what consumer tech companies deliver. Companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Tesla etc spend a tremendous amount of time on user experience. They can bring products to market that are intuitive and require very little if any training to be adopted en masse. All of us have smart phones today, how many of us got trained in how to use these devices and the multitude of apps we have installed? Well, the answer is obvious, very few in the consumer space were onboarded to adopt new technologies. As young graduates enter the workforce who have high technical skills, we need to accelerate their ability to use digital technologies by adopting similar product experiences that they use socially. I believe that the way that we interact with project data will also evolve, we will begin to see more and more immersive experiences that will change the way we work. Examples already exist such as augmented reality and virtual reality, we are beginning to see the AEC industry adopt these emerging technologies to assist in design review and collaboration, training and even construction. These new immersive experiences will dramatically reduce the learning curve for young professionals entering our workforce making them more productive sooner than we have seen in past years.

Lastly, reflecting on your career, what advice would you give to young professionals entering the AEC technology field today?

As I reflect over the course of my career, and I have seen many technology disruptions, I would advise young professionals there will be constant change and they should embrace it not fight it. Experiencing anxiety is a good thing, it means you are challenging yourself and you are learning. This is a critical part of your professional development, if you are comfortable, it means you are not growing, and you will be left behind. I would also say that you must fail to succeed, in technology success comes after a lot of failure and that failure makes you better and more resilient. We are entering some of the most exciting times in the AEC industry that will be heavily influenced by technology. The work we do makes the world a better place, you can all have a tremendous impact if you embrace it.

Shoutout and credit to @ArtemBoiko for the image above, with our creative addition.

Navigating the Nuances Between Design BIM and Construction BIM in Infrastructure Projects

Building Information Modeling (BIM) stands as a foundational technology driving efficiency and precision. However, not all BIM is created equal. There are significant distinctions between Design BIM and Construction BIM that professionals in the field must understand to optimize their projects.

Design BIM

Design BIM primarily focuses on planning and architecture, creating detailed digital representations of buildings and infrastructure. Design Engineers use it to incorporate spatial relationships, geographic information, building component properties, and running excessive analysis, such as FEM. This model is useful for visualizing the final product, ensuring requirements and alignment, and seamless integration into the environment. However, transitioning this model to Construction BIM presents challenges. 

Some owners still procure design work deliverable as a PDF drawing even though design process may be model-based, but it is increasingly common to have IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) models from the design process also to the site.

Credits: Sobstad AS, Tanem-Tulluan

Construction BIM

Construction BIM is practical and hands-on, adapting design models for construction needs by adding details like temporary roads. It must be compatible with on-site machinery. A key point of Open BIM and connected workflows is that a single exported model can be accessed by designers, owners and site people, but also sent directly to the construction equipment. Workflows typically include visualization, content and continuity analysis, volume calculation, precision machine control and stake-outs. Extra work and risky conversions should be avoided and performance and usability on site equipment should be ensured.  

The LandXML format is synonymous with Earthworks and Road construction BIM in today’s workflows because of its suitability and support on various systems and construction software. IFC is a similar keyword for any structure such as a bridge or building. 

When PDF files are received, Construction BIM models are typically rebuilt by the Chief Surveyor as an extra data preparation step to enable any sort of surveying on site.

Challenges and Industry Perceptions

While ”build before you build” is a sound concept allowing significant simulation, BIM often falls short beyond this premise, raising the question: Has BIM failed? 

Some argue the concept needs rethinking and restarting, focusing on construction rather than design needs. Until then, the industry will continue to be held back. 

Project models may yet introduce challenges in the Construction BIM landscape too. Earthworks projects are full of surprises and rapid design changes are a must for successful projects. Thus, project models where the contractor does not have access to rapid digital design changes, leaves a ton of the available benefits behind.  

Whatever the case, Design-build or Alliance project models where refined and approved models are available in a matter of days are generally seen as more successful compared to bid-build projects.  

One challenge for the Construction phase is that the same model needs to run on AEC-grade desktop computers and all field instruments that have much lower processing capacity. So, despite its potential, IFC workflows for construction use still require more optimization and standardization.

Practical Recommendations

 Owners should abandon a PDF approach and jump to procuring model-based construction; if it feels overwhelming to start with 2D drawings located in the project’s coordinates and scale, they can use DXF instead of DWG. Designers often prefer DWGs, but these are troublesome for neutral parties due to their proprietary binary format and complexity. DXF, by contrast, is open and easier for neutral parties to support. 

This proprietary versus open format debate leads to General Contractors working with whatever Designers provide, often resulting in double payment for BIM designs that miss out on more real-life benefits. Many customers have experienced full BIM designs being discarded at the start of construction, highlighting the disconnect between design BIM and practical construction needs. 

Any digital model or drawing is much better for the data prep step than PDF files, but the above points must be considered, and data needs to be converted and sanitized, typically to LandXML format for ultimate interoperability and to suit today’s site workflows.  

Conclusions

The closest the industry has come to interoperability between all stakeholders in the model-based process is the Inframodel standard that introduces sufficient requirements for design and site workflows. Thus, for IFC to succeed, MVD (Model View Definition) for Construction workflows would be needed and internationally agreed as a standard so that all stakeholders and vendors on site would be able to use the same model efficiently. 

In the meantime, Infrakit continues to provide a neutral platform for infrastructure projects, effectively managing the shift between Design BIM to field-ready Construction BIM. This can mean the difference between a project that is on time and under budget, and one that faces challenges in execution. Until the industry rethinks BIM from the ground up, focusing on practical construction needs and data flow, these challenges will persist. BIM has the potential to revolutionize construction, but only if it evolves to meet the practical realities of the field. 

Book time with our experts to discover how these solutions can be leveraged for improved efficiency and success in your next construction project.

Infrakit Transforms Digital Rail Construction

Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group, a leader in railway construction, faced challenges in integrating digital solutions to streamline their operations. They partnered with Infrakit, aiming to enhance their project management and execution processes.

In our recent webinar, Peter Lenk from Infrakit talked to Patrick Giller, from their Digital Rail Services team.

Utilizing Infrakit’s comprehensive platform, Rhomberg Sersa integrated various digital tools into their workflow. These included real-time survey data, drone orthophoto-based maps and  360-degree site photos, all accessible through Infrakit’s cloud-based system.

The team effectively used these tools for planning, real-time monitoring, and seamless communication among project stakeholders.

The implementation of Infrakit led to significant improvements:

• Efficiency: Enhanced data integration allowed for streamlined processes. Patrick Giller emphasized, “We can create our measurement virtually from the office without having to go directly to the construction site, with the photos documented here beautifully.” In other words, remote monitoring and measurement reduce the need for frequent site visits, saving travel costs and time
• Accuracy: Precise georeferenced data resulted in minimized errors and rework, leading to significant cost savings. Efficient planning and visualization can prevent costly mistakes and improve the accuracy of project execution
• Collaboration: Improved communication between on-site teams and project managers facilitated smoother project execution. Giller emphasized, “Infrakit is heavily used by us in construction management and in the exchange between the construction site and the office, project management, site supervision, foremen, machine operators, and our digital rail service team. We use the platform to support our digital solutions”.

Infrakit has proven to be a highly valuable tool for Rhomberg Sersa Rail Group, driving digital transformation in rail construction. Their experience underscores the platform’s potential to revolutionize project management and execution across the industry.

See the whole webinar here in German (you may turn on English captions using the Youtube player settings)

Book time with our experts to discover how these solutions can be leveraged for improved efficiency and success in your next construction project.

We had the pleasure of speaking with Thomas Gröninger from Austrian construction company Swietelsky AG. Thomas shared his insights on the transformative role of technology in the AEC sector, the challenges of digital adoption, and the future of sustainable practices.

Can you share a bit about your journey in the AEC technology industry and how you got started?

I started my journey as a site manager for infrastructure projects. I m really open minded regarding new technologies and Lean Construction. I had a lot of processes which costed me a lot of time and effort. I started to optimize construction processes to have a smoother and more efficient workflow doing my job as a site manager. After that I switched to a full time job doing this for different topics like for Mapping and BIM. I build up different groups and business units in a large construction company for digitalization to bring that mindset and technologies international. It’s like a digitalization fever. Until you see business unit working digital on their own, it is the proof that you did all right.

How has technology transformed the way projects are conceptualized, planned, and executed in the AEC industry during your career?

The most influence was or is BIM. As an requirement on some market in public tenders, there is no question if we want to transform. We have to!

Other technologies are improving the efficiency of some part of the construction process which makes it faster and in higher quality.

As someone deeply involved in AEC tech, what challenges have you encountered, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge is the human challenge. The mindset and the fear to loosing competence while implementing digital tools and technologies. You need to understand different languages spoken on site, management, c-levels, etc. You need to translate your knowledge in different languages (I don’t talk about real language 😊)

Considering the current technological advancements, where do you see the future of AEC technology heading in the next 5-10 years?

Very clear for me. A.I. machine learning, deep learning. Robotics. Look at the development of robotics. Take as an Example that Robo-Dog. Technical that machine works. But there are not really use cases on site, because this dog is lacking in intelligence. Some companies are using it for their image but its fake.

Collaboration is crucial in AEC projects. How have collaborative tools and platforms evolved, and what role do they play in enhancing project efficiency, especially with diverse stakeholders like designers, engineers/surveyors, project managers and client owners?

You are talking about BIM. Let’s say the people are still in a learning curve. Depends also on the market we are looking to. Germany e.g. ist political on a high digitalization level, but the reality in a project can be the complete opposite. Paper, Emails, Letters, no CDE, etc. Some international project sometimes have some really high level communication platforms but it is more an exception then a standard.

Sustainability is a growing concern. How do you perceive the role of AEC technology in promoting sustainable practices within the industry?

For me sustainability is really important. I m also following that topic in my private life.

So many technologies are combined with sustainability. Look at GIS. We measure some Geodata on a project and can use it with GIS also in 5 years for a another project. Same for geological investigations and other Data. I remember an example where a university analysed how often the same wall is measured on a construction site because the people don’t share information.

At the moment sustainability is more a politcal issue, but we need to bring that understanding and knowledge to everyone on the construction industry.

With the rise of BIM (Building Information Modeling), how do you think it has impacted the design and construction phases of AEC projects, and what do you anticipate for its future?

For Building it is more developed then for infrastructure projects. So for infrastructure projects, the designers are not really delivering or working with BIM. Why? Because they have not the requirement from the clients. Because to design in BIM is more expensive then to design in old school way. Somebody who is responsible for the lifecycle of a building needs to pay for it.

As technology advances, there’s often a learning curve for industry professionals. How can the AEC sector ensure a smooth transition for its workforce into more tech-driven practices?

Step by Step and with different translations for different levels. The next generation will expect that tech driven workflows. Otherwhise they wont decide for a job in the construction industrie.

Are there any specific trends or emerging technologies in AEC that you find particularly exciting or promising for the industry’s future?

A.I. is for many people just a marketing flop, because currently it is not really A.I. It is a littlebit deep learning with not really good results. But in the future we can expect here a big change.

Looking beyond technology, what cultural or mindset shifts do you believe are necessary for the AEC industry to fully embrace and capitalize on technological advancements?

On the one hand we need to get an open minded basis on site to bring technologies to the construction process. On the other hand we have an average age of over 40 years on site and not everyone is familiar using new technologies. New staff is coming is learning the old way. We need to educate young people before they start their on site. The older generation we need to inform, train and pull into the new processes. Not push, pull! If you push, you’re doing the top down mistake.

How do you see the role of technology in bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds within the AEC industry, and what impact do you think this connection will have on project development and execution?

It is needed to offer trainings and to be able to offer personal support to step into the digital world. How children learn do cycle? You explain it to them and then you assist them until they can manage it themselves. Same with the gap between physical and digital world.

Lastly, reflecting on your career, what advice would you give to young professionals entering the AEC technology field today?

Go first on a construction project and learn and feel the process to get an understanding of construction requirements. Then take your knowledge and try to think different and optimize processes. It’s the same like the McDonald brothers did it. They lived the conventional restaurant process and optimized it. That’s Lean. And Lean is not something which everyone needs to learn, it is just a personal attitude.